Meet Fr. Jason Nesbit, CSV

Fr. Jason Nesbit, CSV, works in a variety of sacramental ministries in his role as associate

Fr. Jason, right, instructs delegates at the Viatorian Youth Congress

Fr. Jason Nesbit, left, enjoys a moment with Fr. Corey Brost, center, and one of the delegates at the Viatorian Youth Congress

pastor of Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Bourbonnais, IL. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg for this ambitious young priest, who also contributes to the parish’s social media efforts.

Last summer, he accompanied teens to the Viatorian Youth Congress, as their delegation leader. He attended the four-day congress — participating in small and large group discussions, homily workshops and celebrating Mass — and helped his delegation come up with their social justice plan to bring back to their communities.

Fr. Jason leads the vocation ministry efforts in the Bourbonnais/Kankakee region and last year, he organized a community-wide prayer service that drew 10 religious communities and affirmed their ministries during the Year of Consecrated Life.

“As a Catholic community, we are called to thank the men and women religious for saying yes each day,” Fr. Jason said, “to a vocation of consecrated life and service to the Lord.”

He grew up in Granite City, IL, located near St. Louis, and first met Viatorians when his parish, Sacred Heart Church, merged with two others to become Holy Family Parish, led by Fr. Bill Fisherkeller, CSV.

Fr. Jason says he knew from the time he was a child that he wanted to become a priest, but he explored other options during college, when he attended Southern Illinois University and majored in history and business administration, graduating in 2001.

He ultimately entered the pre-novitiate program of the Viatorian Community in 2002 and took his first vows in 2003. This year, Fr. Jason celebrates 13 years of religious life and five years of priesthood.